Mets Lose 6-4 To Nationals on Ninth-Inning Homer

Francisco Rodriguez gave up a two-run home run to Roger Bernadina, his second of the day, in the top of the ninth inning that put the Mets down 6-4. Mike Pelfrey started the game and pitched so-so, but he and the bullpen kept the team in the game as the Mets tied it.

The Mets offense had their chance to go ahead in the fifth inning with Jeff Francoeur up and the bases loaded. Unfortunately for them Bernadina made a terrific catch in right field saving a run and probably the game as the Mets would have gone up by at least two runs at that point. Instead the game remained tied at four and Bernadina eventually beat them with his bat as well.

Jose Reyes also recieved a good amount of critizim for a play in the seventh. With a runner on and no outs, Reyes attempted a sac bunt only to mess it up and eventually hit into a double play. The next batter singled and instead of putting together a big inning they got nothing.

Thoughts

The Mets had their chances to win this game offensively, but it really was a tremendous catch by Bernadina to save a pair of runs, maybe three.

Without starting pitching though it’s hard to win any games. Pelfrey wasn’t awful, but he wasn’t good either. He helped himself out with an RBI single, but this Nationals lineup is not exactly the most intimidating, he needs to pitch better against them.

You can’t let a player like Bernadina beat you like that. He smacked a pair of homers and stole two runs defensively. He is a career .212 hitter.

Line of the Day

GIDP – J Reyes. After the game manager Jerry Manuel took the blame for ordering Reyes to sac bunt. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d prefer to see my no. 3 hitter hitting away. It’s not exactly the wrong situation to bunt here, but if he’s hitting third, let him hit third. Ordering him to bunt takes away opportunities for him to drive the ball.

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The Mets are two games over .500 and the Marlins are two games under. If the Mets are going to contend this year the Marlins are both division and wild card rivals. They need to take this series here. The two aces go head-to-head tomorrow.